IMPERIAL CONFER.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1937, Page 3

IMPERIAL CONFER.

VARIOUS PROBLEMS. THE CONSTITUTION, (United Press Association—By Electii.Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON,. May 18. It is now clear that the constitutional question will be given a much more prominent place at the Imperial Conference than was earlier thought. The setting up of the committee reveals the inclusion of all the Dominion Prime Ministers besides a formidable array ■of judicial experts to deal with “the international status of members of tlie Commonwealth.” The Australian Associated Press’ political correspondent understands the discussions will largely centre on Canada’s, South Africa’s, and Irish Free State’s nationality laws, by which their subjects virtually enjoy dual nationality. General Hertzog’s proposal is a common nationality for Britons and Dominion citizens alike, namely as subjects of the King. Weighty complicated argument by some of the Empire’s leading constitutional lawyers is certain on the issue, which is tantamount to General Hertzog seeking tc enjoy advantages of membership of the Commonwealth without willingness to share the disadvantages. The British viewpoint is that if any Dominion no longer wishes its nationals to remain British subjects that Dominion cannot expect to continue u enjoy the privileges of British subjects internationally. It- would have tc establish its own legations and consulates, and be entirely responsible fox its nationals abroad. EMPIRE AIR MAILS. RUGBY, May 18. The Postmaster-General entertained at luncheon, to-day, on behalf of Hi? Majesty’s Government, the delegates to the Imperial Conference, and officials of overseas governments’ departments. In proposing the toast of Imperial communications. Major Trvoii said that a great Empire air mail scheme would be the happy result of Imperial partnership. Under that scheme, new Empire flying-boats, built for Imperial Airways would inaugurate an epochmaking development in the carriage ol mails. The principle underlying our policy, lie said, is that transmission by air should be regarded not as something exceptional, but just as an ordinary form of transport. LONDON, May 18. As guests of the Postmaster-General, at luncheon, Mr Lyons, and Mr Savage

saw television for the first time, j ’ Both were impressed with television, particularly as a. potential Empire link, THE SHIPPING PROBLEM. RUGBY, May 18. The Imperial Conference Committee, dealing with shipping questions, held its first- meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Walter Nash. A general discussion took place on shipping and its vital importance to the CommonJ wealth, and will be resumed later. The Committee will, in its deliberations, c consider all the aspects of the Imperial shipping problem, including flag discrimination and subsidised competition. The report of the Imperial Shipping Committee will also be reviewed, and it has been decided t-o collect refe--1 vant statistics concerning shipping, p and to circulate various papers on the ‘ subject, to the respective delegations. 6 The Economic Committee is under “ the chairmanship of Mr Haveugit " (South Africa). To-day, it. considered the work of and the progress report ■ of the Imperial Economic Committee, • v approved it generally, and entrusted to a sub-committee the drafting of a l " ; resolution on the subject. ■s'